The cost of health insurance continues to rise and under the Trump administration, there continues to be anguish over the Affordable Care Act. With the rising cost and uncertainty of health insurance, we see projected increases for health and prescription coverage well over 10 percent.
Rensselaer will continue to strive to provide a comprehensive and affordable benefits package to you and your family. The 2018 benefits open enrollment period is from November 3 through November 17, 2017. The 2018 benefits open enrollment period will provide eligible participants an opportunity to review their health plan, make changes to their coverage levels, and re-enroll in the health care spending account, if applicable.
The annual Faculty/Staff Appreciation Event and Benefits Fair will be held on Friday, Nov. 3, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the East Campus Athletic Village. Make plans to attend for benefits updates, flu shots, biometric screenings, chair massages, and more. Lunch will be served and each attendee will receive a gift.
In addition, did you know that all employees and retirees of Rensselaer are eligible to join SEFCU for free? SEFCU has 30 branches throughout the Capital Region and is one of the largest and most progressive credit unions in New York state. Sign up to take advantage of their financial products and services.
The Child and Elder Care program provided by New England Nanny has extended its services to include housekeeping, personal assistants, and high-quality in-home dependent care services. The International SOS program is designed to provide emergency medical and travel assistance to faculty, staff, and students when traveling abroad.
When we compare the Rensselaer Health Plans to other employers’ plans, our outcomes show the success of our ongoing efforts to provide you and your family with comprehensive and integrated medical, prescription, and wellness programs that are of high quality at a reasonable cost.
Be on the lookout within the next few weeks for our “What’s New In Benefits” communication. It will include information you will need to make decisions for the 2018 Benefits Plan year.
Should you have any questions regarding our benefits or this year’s open enrollment period, please contact Louis Padula, director of benefits, retirement, and HRIS, at (518) 276-6164.
Curtis Powell, SPHR
Vice President for Human Resources